目的论视角下纪录片字幕翻译的原则与策略——以《美丽中国》为例

1、目的论视角下纪录片字幕翻译的原则与策略以美丽中国为例 AcknowledgmentsThis paper would not have been completed without the invaluable help and support of many people. I would like to take this opportunity to show my heartfelt thanks to all of them.My deepest gratitude goes first and foremost to my supervisor, Dr. Yang Shizhou.

2、 He gave me inspiring encouragement and illuminating instructions all through my writing. It is he who has spent much time reading through each draft and provided me with inspiring advice. Without his consistent and illuminating instruction, this paper could not have reached its present form.Secondl

3、y, I would like to express my thanks to Professor Li Qiang and every teacher who has helped me with useful advice and comments. My thanks also go to my friends and my fellow classmates, who always encouraged me when I felt upset or nervous in my process of writing this paper.Finally, I also owe a sp

4、ecial debt of gratitude to my beloved family for their loving considerations and great confidence in me all through these years.AbstractIn recent years, with the rapid development of digital multimedia technology, and the deepening of cross-cultural communication, the exchange of film and television

5、 works has become more frequent. As a special form of film and television works, the documentary film becomes an important way of cultural communication with its authenticity and artistry. In order to help Chinese audience to understand English documentaries more accurately, translation studies abou

6、t documentary subtitles are very important. Based on the Skopos theory and its three rules Skopos rule, Coherence rule and the Fidelity rulethis thesis focuses on specific strategies of documentary subtitle translation, by taking the BBC documentary Wild China as an example.Key words: Skopostheorie;

7、 subtitle translation; principles; strategies; Wild China摘 要近年来，随着日新月异的数字多媒体技术的快速发展,以及跨文化交流的不断深入,影视作品交流空前活跃。其中，纪录片作为影视作品的一种特殊形式，以其真实性和艺术性成为文化传播重要方式。为了使中国观众能够更加准确地理解英文纪录片，纪录片字幕的翻译研究十分重要。本文以翻译目的论为理论指导，以BBC纪录片美丽中国为例，从目的论的三原则（目的原则、连贯原则、忠实原则）出发，通过对案例中中英文字幕的对比研究，并结合具体实例探讨纪录片字幕翻译的具体策略。关键词：目的论；字幕翻译；原则；策略；美丽

8、中国iiiContents云南民族大学毕业论文(设计)原创性声明iAcknowledgmentsiiAbstractiii摘 要ivI. Introduction11.1 Background of the Research11.2 Significance of the Research21.3 Literature Review31.3.1 Documentary Subtitle Translation Researches Abroad41.3.2 Documentary Subtitle Translation Researches at Home5II. Skopos Theory

9、72.1 Basic Concepts of Skopos Theory72.2 Historical Development of Skopos Theory82.3 Three Rules of Skopos Theory92.3.1 Skopos Rule92.3.2 Coherence Rule92.3.3 Fidelity Rule9III. Documentary Film And Subtitle Translation103.1 Documentary Film103.1.1 Types of Documentary103.1.2 Wild China103.2 Documen

10、tary Subtitle Translation113.2.1 The Significance of TV Documentary Subtitle Translation113.2.2 Language Characteristics of TV Documentaries113.2.3 The Present Situation of TV Documentary Subtitle Translation11IV. Translation Strategies And Case Study134.1 Literal Translation134.2 Liberal Translatio

11、n154.3 Simplification174.4 Adaptation18V. Conclusion20References22vI. Introduction1.1 Background of the ResearchWith the rapid development of globalization and mass media, intercultural communication becomes more prevalent between china and the other countries, which promoted the mutual import and e

12、xport of cultural products. And as the main carrier of cultural exchange, a large number of outstanding foreign film and television works has been spreading into China, and subtitle translation has become an essential process in cultural communication. As a special form of film and television works,

13、 the English documentary can present the real picture for the audience and telling the true story, furthermore it also has the educational significance while entertaining the audience. Therefore, English documentary has become an important way for Chinese audience to understand the western worlds na

14、tural geography, customs, history and culture. But because of language barriers, most Chinese audiences need to rely on subtitles in order to understand the story, so the importance of English documentary subtitle translation has become increasingly prominent. Thus, the English documentary subtitle

15、translation is not only the conversion between the two languages, but also a process of cultural exchange. If English documentaries play an important role in intercultural communication, subtitle translation of English documentary is a bridge for intercultural communication.However, English document

16、ary subtitle translation has not attracted enough attention, and research on documentary subtitle translation in China is still at a relatively weak position. The current researches are only limited to the principles, methods and techniques of documentary subtitling. There is no systematic science T

17、heoretical guidance. The contradiction between the current situation and the demand has prompted me to have a more in-depth study of English documentary subtitle translation, and to learn about best practices in doing documentary subtitle translation. Only in this way can English documentaries meet

18、the needs of the audience better, and make English documentaries a bridge of cultural communication.Skopos theory, which was put forward by German Functionalist School, aims for the purpose of translation, and offers a useful perspective for translation studies. Based on the Skopos theory and its th

19、ree principlesthe Skopos rule, the Coherence rule and the Fidelity rulethis paper focuses on specific strategies for documentary subtitle translation, by using the BBC documentary Wild China as an illustration. In consideration of time, space, culture and other aspects of the influence factors; this

20、 paper explores how to best translate documentary subtitles according to different translation purposes, and analyzes the translation from the literal translation, liberal translation, transliteration, combination and division and other translation strategies. Through this study of English documenta

21、ry subtitle translation from the perspective of Skopos theory, the author hopes that more attentions will be attracted to English documentary film subtitle translation. And in the translation activities and practices, the translators should aim at the purpose of translation and take the understandin

22、g and acceptance of target language audience as a fundamental, and strive to improve the quality of translation.1.2 Significance of the ResearchAs an emerging field, subtitle translation attracts more and more scholars attention. In general, the research on English subtitle translation in China star

23、ted late and the foundation is relatively weak. The present research often lacks scientific guidance and systematic theory, and there is no complete standard for the English documentary subtitle translation. Therefore, there is a long way to go for China on the translation of documentary subtitle.In

24、 the context of todays world cultural integration, documentaries have a special significance. Researches on English documentary subtitle translation can promote international cultural exchange and communication. The study of English documentary subtitle translation can study skills and summarize the

25、 rules, and then rise to the theoretical level, which is of vital importance to the improvement of the English documentary subtitle translation. And ultimately the purpose of cultural exchanges can be achieved. As English documentary subtitle translation is relatively started late in China and lacks

26、 a systematic guiding theory, the translation principles and strategies in this paper can also provide a reference for the translation of English documentary subtitles. Furthermore, the study of subtitle translation of English documentaries can also help Chinese documentaries spread to the internati

27、onal market. The theoretical system of the documentary is interlinked. The subtitle translation study of the English documentary will provide theoretical reference and technical support for the Chinese documentary subtitle translation, which is of great significance for the promotion of Chinese docu

28、mentaryies.1.3 Literature ReviewAs an emerging field, subtitle translation attracts more and more scholars attention. In recent years, many scholars and practitioners are exploring ways to improve the quality of subtitle translation. Chen Huiling (Chen 2015: 304) thinks “In subtitle translation, dom

29、estication should be taken as a main strategy, combined with the use of alienation”. Zhangchi (Zhangchi, 2015: 102-105) believes that subtitle translation becomes more efficiently guided by the translation variation theory. Zhang Minmin ( Zhang Minmin, 2008: 34-35 ) says “Due to the limitation of ti

30、me and space and the synchronization of sound and picture, the principle of subtitle translation is that the translator communicates the most relevant information in the limited time and space with the most effective way”. Together with Wang Xiaoling, Zhang Liwei had published an article named Subti

31、tle Translation Strategies of English Videos it explained five feasible strategies (literal translation, free translation, literal plus free translation, condensed translation and cooperative) to avoid as much potential translation trouble as possible. In their works, Skopos theory is less used in s

32、tudy of subtitle translation. Some scholars at home and abroad specialize in the detailed interpretation of principles and techniques of English documentary subtitles translation. English documentary subtitle translation has long been in a forgotten position, although it belongs to the category of f

33、ilm and television works subtitles translation. This paper mainly focuses on principles and strategies documentary subtitle translation from the perspective of Skopos theory.1.3.1 Documentary Subtitle Translation Researches AbroadJorge Diaz-Cintas comments, “Most studies into concentrates on films,

34、forgetting a myriad of other audiovisual programs that are considered inferior, such as documentaries, cartoons or series”. (Jorge Diaz-Cintas, 2004, 50). Thus, documentary subtitle translation has been ignored.Nevertheless, the researchers have also made their contributions in the English subtitles

35、 documentary translation area. In 1995, Gottlieb extensively studied subtitle translation, and he has published many books and articles on subtitle translation, and pointed out some terms for subtitle translation, such as its definition, classification, translation strategies and technical constrain

36、ts. In 2001, Yves Gambier published a work, which named (Multi) Media Translation: concepts, practices and research. In this book, he has discussed the preferences of subtitle translation and its causes in different countries. In 2003, he published a book called Screen Trans adaptation: Perception a

37、nd Reception. The political influence of subtitle translation has been studied in this book. In 2005, his new book Subtitling against the Current: Danish concepts, English minds was published, the strategies for translating English subtitles into Danish has been discussed. Influenced by the skopos t

38、heory, Matamala found the difficulties, which lays in translating different types documentary subtitles (biography, history and culture, geography and so on). And it takes Matamala two years (2006-2007) to translate 20 English documentaries into Catalan, and in 2009, the main features of English doc

39、umentary subtitle were further analyzed. In 2010, Juan Jose Martinez-Sierra regarded English documentary subtitle translation as a special form of audio-visual works in her book Science and Technology on Screen, and pointed out that the type of English documentaries and the three modes of documentar

40、y subtitle translationNarration, Dubbing and Subtitle Translation, while emphasizing the importance of correct translation strategies in the translation of documentary subtitles. Nowadays subtitle translation has been paid more attention. In 2004, the international symposium on language transfer on

41、screen was held in London; in 2005, University of Bologna hosted the international conference on the latest research on audiovisual translation. European Association for Studies in Screen Translations (EASST) was established in 1995 as the most influential academic organization in this field, aiming

42、 to stimulate and facilitate the communication among the researchers, teachers and professors in this field.1.3.2 Documentary Subtitle Translation Researches at HomeComparing with other countries, studies on documentary subtitle translation in china started relatively late, and some progress has bee

43、n made in recent years. However, there are still some limitations: Firstly, most studies are limited to translate some subtitles of films and TV dramas, while less attention is paid to emerging forms such as documentaries. Secondly, most of subtitle translators are the on-line subtitle groups, and i

44、ts translation quality is lack of authority and accuracy. Thirdly, a systematic theoretical analysis framework explore subtitle translation has not been stablished yet.Fotios Karamitroglou once pointed out a fact: the status of film translation has not always been regarded as important as literary t

45、ranslation. Qian Shaochang, a well-known Chinese film and television translator, also deeply believes that the position translation of subtitles in film and television works is less dominant than that in literary translation. He also pointed out: The aspects like the relevant courses offered in Coll

46、eges, the publication of relevant papers in academic journals etc. which has been reflected are not compatible with the social role of film and television translation (Qian Shaochang, 2000:61). In 1998, Zhang Chunbai summed up the nature, principles and skills of film and television drama translatio

47、n. He believes that subtitle translation should focus on the target language audience, and to take full account of the target language audience level of language and cultural awareness (Zhang Chunbai, 1998: 50-53). In 2001, Li Yunxing, from Tianjin Normal University, wrote an article named Strategie

48、s for Translating Subtitles and has it published in Chinese Translators Journal. He pointed out the basic requirement for subtitle translation is to provide relevant information to the target audience in limited time and space. The article also analyzes the characteristics of subtitle translation an

49、d the corresponding translation strategies from three aspects: time and space constraints, information functions and cultural factors (Li Yunxing, 2001:38-39). In 2002, On the basis of years of translation practice, CCTV editor Zhao Chunmei wrote an article named Translation into Chinese of Film Scr

50、ipts and Scripts of TV Drama Series-Four Main Conflicting Demands. In this paper, she summarized four contradictions in the translation of film and television works: the contradiction between content and mouth, the contradiction between the word order and picture, the contradiction between localizat

51、ion and foreignization, the contradiction between the spoken language and the written language. (Zhao Chunmei, 2002: 49)In summary, the translation of Chinese film and television works subtitles do have some progress. But there are still many problems. On the one hand, there are few studies about su

52、btitle translation of film and television works, and there are fewer studies focus the English documentary subtitles translation. On the other hand, although some scholars and researchers share their translation experience from the aspects of translation strategies and translation principles, they a

53、re mostly general abstraction.Throughout the research status quo of English documentary subtitles translation both abroad and at home, the English documentary subtitle translation has attracted more attention. However, it is worth noting Skopos theory is less used in the researches on documentary su

54、btitle translation, this study analysis the principles and Strategies of documentary subtitle translation from the perspective of Skopos theory, which has its new special theoretical significance. The translator and the researcher should try to improve the quality of translation and ensure the effec

55、t of translation based on the purpose of translation, so that the documentary can become a bridge of cultural communication.II. Skopos TheoryTranslation Skopos theory has been widely researched and applied to various fields of translation since it was proposed in the 1970s in Germany, and it has ach

56、ieved a good translation effect. Translation Skopos Theory is a new model of translation studies from the perspective of translation, which is oriented to the function and practicability of target-text. Translation Skopos theory believes that translation is a cross-cultural human communication activ

57、ity with definite purpose. Translation Skopos theory has three main rules, they are: Skopos rule, Coherence rule and Fidelity rule.2.1 Basic Concepts of Skopos Theory Skopos theory was first proposed by Hans J. Vermeer in his paper named Groundwork for a General Theory of Translation, The author hol

58、ds that translation is a kind of intercultural human communication with clear purpose and intention, based on the source text. As Christiane Nord pointed out: “Skopos is the Greek word for aim, purpose, and the basic principle of Skopos theory is that the (intended) purpose of the target text determines the choice of method and strategy in the translation process.” “The target-text purpose is defined by the translation commission, or rather: translation brief. In professional settings, the brief is often not sufficiently explicit because commissioners are no translation experts and therefore